Byproduct Valorization Lab
Close the Loop on Food Waste and Byproducts
Chemical characterization of bioactive components to promote agricultural valorization and circularity
Are you a food producer looking for additional revenue opportunities? Or a cosmetic or personal care company looking for new antioxidants? What your looking for may be needlessly discarded! Let’s talk!
Food waste and byproducts occur at all stages within the supply chain, from farm to fork. To promote a sustainable food supply chain, Axia’s Byproduct Valorization Lab aims to “close the loop” by effectively valorizing food waste and byproducts. Here, Axia creates innovative and engineered approaches to valorize, or find value in, what cannot be used in the food processing stage.
Byproduct Valorization Lab
Overview
Our innovative work in the Byproduct Valorization Lab is at the intersection of valorization and circularity – benefitting growers, the environment and consumers. Here, we extract useful compounds from plants, leftover wastes from processing food, and other organic matter.
Extraction Methods
Conventional Extraction: This method involves dissolving bioactive components into the extraction solvent at room temperature. Tests are conducted with varying biomasses, solid-to-liquid ratios, extraction times, and solvents to optimize the dissolution process.
Nonconventional Extraction: A non-conventional extraction technique is used when a more sustainable extraction is desired, maximizing the recovery of bioactive compounds while using a minimum amount of organic solvent and reducing process costs. Tests are conducted with varying biomasses, solid-to-liquid ratios, extraction times, temperature, and solvents to optimize the dissolution process.
Chemical Characterization Tests
Total Polyphenols: Total polyphenols are important for maintaining overall health and preventing cancer, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, making them an important component in a healthy diet.
Total Flavonoids: Flavonoids have health benefits and the ability to support overall health and prevent chronic diseases. Some flavonoids have been found to improve cognitive function and brain health, reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Total Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins have a wide range of health benefits and the ability to support overall health and prevent chronic diseases. Some anthocyanins have been found to improve eye health and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Antiradical Power: Antioxidants are compounds found in plants and fruits that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can prevent the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Partnerships:
Collaborating for Success
Bridging the gap from theory to real-world application.
Education:
Developing Your Skills
Graduate studies, certificate programs and seminars in value chain creation and optimization.
Contact:
The Axia Institute
Have questions? Learn more about how you can get involved with The Axia Institute.